Hydroxycut Products Recalled Due To Liver Damage

November 19, 2009

On May 1, 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned consumers to immediately stop using Hydroxycut products by Iovate Health Sciences Inc., of Oakville, Ontario. This recall was precipitated by 23 reports of serious health problems ranging from jaundice and elevated liver enzymes (an indicator of potential liver injury), to liver damage requiring liver transplant. The FDA has been notified of one death due to liver failure in an individual taking Hydroxycut. Other health problems reported include cardiovascular disorders and rhabdomyolysis (a type of muscle damage) that can lead to other serious health problems such as kidney failure.

Hydroxycut products are dietary supplements that are marketed for weight-loss, as fat burners, as energy-enhancers, as low carb diet aids, and for water loss under the Iovate and MuscleTech brand names. The list of products recalled by Iovate currently includes:

Hydroxycut Regular Rapid Release Caplets

Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Rapid Release Caplets

Hydroxycut Hardcore Liquid Caplets

Hydroxycut Max Liquid Caplets

Hydroxycut Regular Drink Packets

Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Drink Packets

Hydroxycut Hardcore Drink Packets (Ignition Stix)

Hydroxycut Max Drink Packets

Hydroxycut Liquid Shots

Hydroxycut Hardcore RTDs (Ready-to-Drink)

Hydroxycut Max Aqua Shed

Hydroxycut 24

Hydroxycut Carb Control

Hydroxycut Natural

The recall announcement stated that consumers who have any of the products involved in the recall should to stop using them and should return them to the place of purchase. The FDA has not yet determined which exact ingredients, dosages, or other factors may be associated with risks related to these Hydroxycut products. The products contain a variety of ingredients and herbal extracts. Additional information about this recall can be found at www.fda.gov.